KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirms Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Newcastle
A case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has been detected in the Newcastle area, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed.
Laboratory tests from a suspected case on February 10 established the presence of the FMD virus.
The Department has dispatched a contingent of veterinary specialists to the district to vaccinate and institute disease controls in line with Disease Management Area procedures.
The compromised dip tanks are quarantined and being vaccinated against. Newcastle is the fourth district in KwaZulu-Natal to suffer FMD infection, following uMkhanyakude, Zululand, and King Cetshwayo.
“As a result of the epidemic, animal auctions have been stopped, and sales of beef within the region have been disrupted,” the Department said.
MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa expressed concern over the impact on the local livestock industry.
“Since I was appointed MEC for Agriculture in June last year, we have focused on ensuring that all 2,207 dip tanks in the province are stocked with acaricides and other dipping chemicals. We encourage farmers to dip their cattle regularly,” she said.
She urged farmers to cooperate with the department to contain the outbreak and reminded them to seek permission from veterinary services before moving livestock.
Law enforcement agencies will be monitoring roads to prevent the illegal movement of animals across districts.
The department has developed an action plan that includes engagement with key stakeholders such as the livestock farming community, organised agriculture, and industry representatives.
MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, along with a team of veterinary experts and animal health technicians, will visit Newcastle to oversee efforts to curb the outbreak.
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